Rumour Mill: Kris Commons | Scottish Cup | Hearts

KRIS Commons has been linked with an English Premier League side, Dundee United and Rangers look back on their Scottish Cup clash, and the latest on Hearts’ administration battle, plus more football news in Sunday’s Rumour Mill.

Leicester keen on Celtic’s Commons

PREMIER League-bound Leicester City could be set to make an offer for Celtic midfielder Kris Commons.

Commons, 30, is due to sign a one-year extension to his current deal at Celtic, but the Foxes are keen to make a move for the former Scotland international.

Leicester City look poised for a summer spending spree after securing a top-flight place - they have also been linked with former Dundee goalkeeper Julian Speroni. (Star/Express)

Ciftci: ‘I almost missed from celebrating’

DUNDEE United striker Nadir Ciftci has admitted that he nearly missed an open goal in yesterday’s Scottish Cup win over Rangers - because he was prematurely celebrating.

The Turkish striker said: “You could see when I was dribbling the ball that I almost fell over before I scored and this is the first time I’ve celebrated a goal before it went in.”

“It’s just as well I didn’t forget to put it in.” (Record)

McCoist: ‘Poor defence cost us dear’

RANGERS manager Ally McCoist believes his side “slit their own throats” in their 3-1 loss at Ibrox in the Scottish Cup semi-finals.

McCoist said: “We slit our own throats with the goals we lost and the level of defending wasn’t as good as it should have been.

“It was down to individual errors. We were also naive.” (Various)

Hearts: Administrators delay Lithuania trip

HEARTS administrator Bryan Jackson has delayed his return to Lithuania as he continues to be unable to arrange a meeting with key creditors of Ukio Bankas.

Time is fast running down on Hearts’ ability to trade, and Jackson, of recovery experts BDO, had hoped to fly to Vilnius today to seek the agreement of the Ukio creditors to transfer their 29.9 per cent shareholding in the club.

However, as of last night, there was no news of a date for a meeting and Jackson has shelved his trip. (Scotsman)

Aberdeen v St Johnstone: Saints’ ace hopes it’s third time lucky

DAVID Wotherspoon is hoping to fire his St Johnstone side to the Scottish Cup final - to make up for the two he missed while at Hibernian.

Wotherspoon said: “I missed out on both finals and it was tough, really tough. It is hard to put into words what it feels like sitting in the stands watching your team-mates play in such a massive game.

“Unfortunately, it wasn’t to be. These things happen and it’s the way you bounce back from that is what tells the story.” (Scotsman)

Raith Rovers set for civic reception for Ramsdens win

RAMSDENS Cup winners Raith Rovers are to receive a civic reception in Kirkcaldy in honour of their cup heroics.

Rovers overcame the odds to beat Rangers in last weekend’s Easter Road final, and their acheivement is set to be honoured by Fife Council.

Raith chairman Turnbull Hutton said: “It’s great recognition for the team and the town and we’ll happily go along.” (Sun)